On April 13, 2016, State Councilor Yang Jiechi met in Paris with Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France.

Yang Jiechi expressed that Jean-Marc Ayrault has made active efforts to the development of China-France relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. It is believed that as the new Foreign Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault will make positive contribution to promoting China-France relations for greater progress.

Yang Jiechi said that China-France relations enjoy a unique significance. Both sides have been constantly strengthening political mutual trust and opening up practical cooperation. China pays high attention to China-France relations, and stands ready to work with the French side to conduct more extensive and deeper communication and cooperation in various fields so as to make bilateral relations continuously play an exemplary and guiding role. The two sides should maintain high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation in the fields such as nuclear energy, aviation, finance and sustainable development, actively carry out people-to-people and cultural exchanges and explore the development of tripartite practical cooperation in Africa. China and France share the same or similar views on many major international and regional issues. The two sides should further strengthen communication and coordination. China is willing to work with France to maintain close cooperation on ensuring the G20 Hangzhou Summit to achieve important and positive outcomes and promoting the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. It is hoped that as a major EU country with important influence, France could play a more active role in enhancing the development of China-EU relations.

Jean-Marc Ayrault stated that he was honored to receive President Xi Jinping during his visit to France and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China during his tenure as Prime Minister. He is looking forward to maintaining and developing the sound France-China relations during his tenure as Foreign Minister. The French side pays high attention to the development of France-China relations, and deeply appreciates China's key role in the success of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris held by the French side. It is hoped that the two countries can continuously promote the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The French side stands ready to fully support China in hosting a successful G20 Hangzhou Summit. It is hoped that both sides can strengthen cooperation in civilian nuclear energy and other areas, and vigorously promote the communication and cooperation in people-to-people and cultural areas including education and culture.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional hotspot issues such as the Syrian issue.